[Protest of DOE Subcontract Award for Computer Equipment]

B-249352.2: Feb 23, 1993

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A firm protested a Department of Energy (DOE) subcontract award for computer equipment, contending that the DOE technical bid evaluation was unreasonable and inconsistent with solicitation specifications. GAO held that: (1) the solicitation did not contain any specific experience or expertise requirements; (2) DOE reasonably evaluated the technical bids; (3) DOE was not required to conduct discussions regarding the protester's past contract experience, since discussions would not improve the protester's competitive standing; and (4) the protest concerning the DOE price analysis was immaterial in comparison to the differences in prices submitted by the bidders. Accordingly, the protest was denied.